Ways to Connect Playstation 3 to TV

Sony PlayStation 3 can be connected to a TV in two main ways: via HDMI and AV-Multi connector. They differ from each other in that in the first case a digital signal is used, in the second – an analog one. HDMI, as a rule, is suitable for more modern TVs, but analog – for outdated ones, in which there is simply no digital input.

HDMI connection

HDMI cable is the preferred option. If such a port is available on the TV, then it is precisely this port that is recommended to be used. And all due to the fact that the signal output through it supports resolution up to Full HD (1920×1080), while when using AV-Multi you will be able to get only 720×576. One more nuance – when connected via HDMI, you can achieve an FPS rate in games of 60 frames per second. But AV limits are either 25 or 29.97 frames per second (depending on the region of the game console).

So, the AV (Multi) -HDMI cable is included in the standard set-top box (except for the very first revisions – there were only AV-Multi variations). The connection is very simple:

1. Turn off Playstation 3 and TV. It is advisable to turn off the power altogether (that is, remove the plugs from the sockets).
2. Connect the cable to the corresponding port on the set-top box and the TV. If there are several of them on the TV, then the required one is marked with the HDMI IN mark (that is, for the input signal).
   
3. Turn on the TV, then the game console.
4. Select the input source using the built-in TV menu.

In most cases, no further settings and manipulations are required, since the modern HDMI standard (from version 1.3) supports automatic configuration. That is, the “correct” resolution is set by the console itself, as well as the sound output. By the way, not only video signal is transmitted through the HDMI port, but also sound – another of the advantages of the standard over AV-Multi.

In the event that after connection the audio is not output, then you will need:

1. Turn off the game console.
2. Turn on the PS3 by holding the “Power” button for at least 4 seconds (until the second beep).
3. In the menu that appears, select the HDMI-Output audio output.
   

If the sound needs to be output to an external speaker system, then, accordingly, select the appropriate menu item. The problem with sound most often arises if the console is connected to another TV – in this case, you just need to re-auto-configure the video output. By holding down the “Power” button, this process is initialized.

But the version of the cable (designated as 1.3, 1.3a, 2.0 and so on) does not matter. The latest versions of PS3 firmware support all currently available image transmission standards. Problems with its output will only be if the console software is not updated (and this is also done automatically when the set-top box is connected to the Internet).

AV connection (tulip)

The Playstation 3 has a built-in proprietary AV-Multi connector. Through it, the game console can be connected to the following TV inputs:

1. AV connector. In common people it is better known as “tulips”. Connects to 3 ports – video is transmitted through yellow, audio is transmitted through white and red (stereo, not multichannel).
   
2. S-Video connector. One of the most obsolete AV options.
   
3. RCA connector (composite). Works like standard AV, but the image is transmitted not through one “tulip”, but through 3 (red, green, blue). The resolution cannot be increased from this, but the quality of color rendition and the scanning frequency – yes. That is, the RCA cable for PS3 has AV-Multi on one side, and 5 “tulips” on the other (3 – for video, 2 – for sound).
   
4. SCART connector. The principle of image transmission is the same as that of AV, but the “tulips” are connected to a special adapter (RCA-SCART). Sound is also output through this port.
   

The basic set of all Playstation 3 revisions includes only an AV cable. All others must be purchased separately. Not necessarily original – they cost almost 4-5 times more, they do not affect the final picture quality (with an analog signal, a resolution higher than 720×576 cannot be obtained anyway).

And yes, in all cases, the signal is transmitted in an analog format. In fact, all the above AV connectors differ from each other only in the pinout and the shape itself.

The connection principle is extremely simple (and you don’t even need to turn off the TV):

• turn off the console;
• if an HDMI cable is inserted into it, remove it;
• connect the AV-Multi output to the existing TV input (AV, RCA, Scart, S-Video);
  
• turn on the game console;
• select the required signal source on the TV.

The sound does not have to be output exactly through AV. The Playstation 3 has a separate optical audio output. Its advantage is support for multichannel audio. But the cable will have to be purchased separately. Configuring the source for audio output from PS3 is performed in the “Sound Settings” of the set-top box itself.

In total, Playstation 3 can be connected to both old and new TVs without any problems. If possible, it is better to use HDMI – the image quality and its clarity will be the best. Tell us in the comments which connection option you use with your PS3. And if it is AV, then describe whether there is a noticeable difference when using AV and RCA in terms of color reproduction.